Mary Louise Ott Spain

Mary Louise lived a long and full life. Formally of Charleston, WV, and Alexandria, VA, she was a resident of Cameron Park in Raleigh from 1939 until 1953 and returned to the neighborhood in 1976 where she lived until her death.

She had diverse interests and was involved with a variety of organizations including Quail Unlimited where she was the first woman to win the Member of the Year” award, NC Shell Club, Capital City Book Club and Assistant League of Raleigh. An active member of Edenton Street United Methodist Church she served as President of the Cokesbury Isley Class, a Lay Shepherd, board member of the Ruth Sheets Day Care Center, volunteer receptionist and participated in the Prayer Ministry.

She was a graduate of Meredith College and remained a proud supporter and member of the Meredith College Alumnae Association, the Meredith Book Club and served on the board for the Carlyle Campbell Friends of the Library.

Her husband, Rusty, was retired from the Navy and she remained a life member of the USS Sierra Veterans Association and attended their annual reunions as long as she was able.

Mary Louise kept her suitcase packed for she loved to travel and broaden her horizons. Some of her most treasured possessions were her friends who are scattered over the globe.

Mary Louise is predeceased by her parents, Homer “Jack” Ott and Mabel Morrison Ott, her brother, Robert Lee “Bob” Ott, and her husband Herman F. “Rusty” Spain.

Surviving are her nephews, Robert Lee Ott, Jr. (Denise), William E. “Bill” Ott (Donna), Leonard “Len” Pope, Frank W. Miller, Jr., Joseph Edward Miller (Lois); nieces, Carol Spain Pifer (Ray), Jo Anne Spain Pollard (Kenneth), Janet Pope Williford (Steve) and Edla Pope Prevette (James); cousins, Dudley Morrison, Holmes Morrison, and Joe Martin Jacoby; goddaughters, Anne Lewis Ingram (Steve), Shelby Lewis Morrison (Richard); dear friend, Brenda Ott Collier and a number of great nieces and nephews.

Grateful appreciation is expressed to Grace, Patricia and Mary who loved her and cared for her.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Mary Louise Spain Scholarship Fund at Meredith College, 3800 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607, Edenton Street UMC, 228 W Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27603 and/or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, 2 p.m. at Edenton Street United Methodist Church followed by a reception.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary’s St., Raleigh, NC.